Islamabad – The next strategic focus of the country has become a major and more visible debate in Israeli media following an unsuccessful security operation against the Hamas leadership in Qatar.
While Qatar has served as a central point of discussion, prominent voices in Israel are now pointing toward Turkey as a new and necessary target, with a more aggressive, albeit unofficial, narrative online, including Pakistan.
Such a change implies that a new foreign policy may be considered by Israel, where the emphasis is no longer on certain militant organizations but on countries that provide explicit political and diplomatic assistance to the Palestinian movement.
Strategic Focus on Turkey
This is no longer a tactical debate, but a strategic one, and major Israeli newspapers are openly debating about Turkey. Analyses and columns urging a new direction of action have been published in influential publications, such as Haaretz, which is generally regarded as a barometer of government-oriented sentiment. Some columnists have even stated that it is a strategic necessity of Israel to target Turkey.
This stance is directly connected to the foreign policy of Turkey, which not only incorporates the open pro-Palestinian stance but also the active attempt at enhancing its own political and diplomatic position in the Muslim world, a trend that is considered an increasing threat to Israel’s influence in the region.
Hardliners Focus on Pakistan
As Turkey has become the target of mainstream analysis, another and more violent narrative is emerging around Pakistan, although it is not yet as prominent in mainstream media. According to reporting from publications like The Times of Israel, there is a concerted effort to portray widespread “hatred of Jews and Israel” within Pakistan.
Although not explicitly calling for direct action, these articles are considered to back the arguments of hardline circles in Israel, who believe in a more aggressive position.
Also See: Pakistan Condemns Israeli Strike on Qatar, Calls It “Blatant Violation of Sovereignty”
A Potential Shift in Foreign Policy
The changing rhetoric is an indication of a possible strategic realignment of Israel. The initial focus on Qatar was rooted in the hosting of specific individuals and the location of a known Hamas leadership.
By expanding its list of potential adversaries to include powerful nations that are pillars of the Muslim world, Israel would be signaling a new willingness to challenge diplomatic norms in its pursuit of its strategic goals.
